Not perfect (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: UNIDEAL
Understanding "Not Perfect" in Crossword Puzzles
- UNIDEAL is the seven-letter answer to crossword clues asking for something "not perfect." This common crossword term describes situations, conditions, or circumstances that fall short of the best possible scenario.
- The word appears frequently in daily crossword puzzles because it perfectly captures the concept of imperfection in exactly seven letters, making it a go-to answer for constructors.
Why UNIDEAL Works
- Precisely seven letters matching common grid patterns
- Self-explanatory in meaning
- Versatile across different clue contexts
- Common enough to be fair but not overly obvious
Tips for Solving "Not Perfect" Clues
- Check the letter count first - Seven letters immediately suggests UNIDEAL over shorter alternatives like SUBPAR or FLAWED.
- Look for crossing letters - The "UN-" prefix at the start or "-AL" ending can confirm your answer quickly.
- Consider the puzzle difficulty - UNIDEAL appears more often in mid-week puzzles (Tuesday-Thursday) when clues become slightly more challenging.
- Watch for synonym clues - Words like "suboptimal," "imperfect," or "less than ideal" in the clue typically indicate this answer.
- Note the context - If the clue mentions situations, circumstances, or conditions, UNIDEAL fits better than more specific negative terms.
Not perfect (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is UNIDEAL a real word?
A: Yes, UNIDEAL is a legitimate English word meaning "not ideal or perfect." It's commonly used in formal writing and crossword puzzles.
Q: What's the difference between UNIDEAL and SUBPAR?
A: While both mean "not perfect," SUBPAR (6 letters) specifically means below standard or average, whereas UNIDEAL (7 letters) means simply not ideal without necessarily being below average.
Q: Could the answer be NOTBEST instead?
A: NOTBEST is less common in crosswords. UNIDEAL appears more frequently because it's a single, established word rather than a phrase.
Q: How often does this clue appear in crosswords?
A: "Not perfect" clues appear regularly in major newspapers like The New York Times, LA Times, and USA Today puzzles, typically once every few weeks.
Q: Are there any trick variations of this clue?
A: Sometimes constructors use "Hardly perfect" or "Far from ideal" which might make you overthink the answer, but UNIDEAL remains the most likely seven-letter solution.
